October in Lake Placid is festival time, and we have no shortage of these over the next few weeks in the Adirondacks.

Authentic German entertainment at the Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest

Let’s start with this weekend’s Whiteface Mountain Oktoberfest, Oct. 4-5. It features many touches from the old country with German oom-pah bands, European brews and fine foods representing the Oktoberfests in Germany.

This festival includes arts and crafts, attractions for the kids, and gondola rides to the summit of Little Whiteface, and you have an experience that is unique unto itself. And it’s all against the stunning backdrop of our fall foliage season.

The following weekend (Oct. 11-13) is a double holiday, with Americans celebrating Columbus Day and Canadians regaling in their Thanksgiving. No worries as that means double the fun.

The brewfest brings the world of craft beer to our village, and your chance to sample these products.

The Flaming Leaves Festival features the United States Championships in ski jumping and nordic combined for men and women coming to the Adirondacks.

The US Championships will be held during the Flaming Leaves Festival

Vancouver gold and silver medalist Bill Demong from nearby Vermontville will be in action on the 90 meter ski jump hill.

In addition many area vendors will populate the Flaming Leaves Festival, along with a stellar lineup of bluegrass bands and the tastiest brews and BBQ.

Please be sure the check the accompanying links for all the necessary details.

Our extended weather will be seasonable, with no cold temperatures coming to the Northern Adirondacks during these festivals. This means that all the outdoor activities that you’ve come to expect in the Lake Placid area will still be in play. They include hiking, fishing, tennis, golf, biking, boating and the rest.

Mirror Lake Inn, with Taste Bistro and Bar, continues celebration of 30 years of AAA Four Diamond Excellence

Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa received the AAA Four Diamond Award of Excellence for the 30th consecutive year on June 19. The inn continues its celebration of achievement through 2014 with a 30th anniversary, $30, three-course dinner in Taste Bistro and Bar on two upcoming nights this fall.

Taste Bistro & Bar at Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa

These menus have been created by Executive Chef Jarrad Lang, leading the inn’s Four Diamond kitchen. Chef Lang has marked the occasion by paying tribute to selections of past years, while bringing attention to the history of great dining at the resort. Mirror Lake Inn dinner guests will note how Lang threads the popular and modern farm-to-table concept throughout this timeline.

Well….the calendar says Labor Day is past us, and the kids are back in school. That’s the schedule that marks the official end of summer everywhere. In Lake Placid and the Adirondacks, that official end can be deceiving because lots of beautiful weather is being enjoyed.

Summer continues in our heated outdoor pool

As you know we are in the midst of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks with the Olympic village of Lake Placid as the hub of activity. And even though we’re in September, you can still work on your tan as the mid day sun remains strong. Mirror Lake and Lake Placid are still warm enough for swimming and boating. Yes, we’ve hosted the Winter Olympics twice, but they could have never occurred at this time of year.

The fall marks the season of nearly doubling temperatures. That is to say, some September nights can drop to 40-45 degrees, but by lunchtime, you’ll be looking for an outdoor seat at The Cottage Cafe for lunch.

Many local residents and visitors are paying more attention now to the trees. Slowly there is a change to their tint. Very slowly. Granted, right now you have to look long and hard to see orange and yellow. But they’ll become more visable as we get into the next three or four weeks.

But that’s then….this is now. And now is a beautiful time of year to appreciate the zenith of our flowers and landscaping, which the Mirror Lake Inn grounds staff takes great pride in displaying to our guests.

Off property, you can get amazing views by driving to the top of the Whiteface Mountain Veterans Memorial Highway on weekends; enjoy an elevator ride to the top of the 120 meter ski jump tower; take leisurely or strenuous hikes; a 3-mile run around Mirror Lake that takes you through our picturesque Main Street; play golf for another 6-7 weeks; use our complimentary tennis courts for a couple of invigorating sets; and drop a line into our waters as the fish are still biting.

So while the youngsters have returned to school, there’s still lots of summer to enjoy in the Lake Placid Adirondacks region.